Sleeper factory to be constructed at Essikado

July 13, 2017

Source: Juliet Aguiar DUGBARTEY l thebftonline l Ghana

Concrete Product and Logistics Limited in partnership with Aveng Invraset, the biggest construction company in Africa is seeking for a land to construct a concrete sleeper factory at Essikado in the Sekondi-Takoradi Metropolis.

The establishment of the company is expected to support the concrete products to be used in upgrading of the rail sector and its network system as well as create jobs for the people.

This was made known when the Minister for Railway Development Joe Ghartey and Kobus Burger, General Manager of Aveng Infraset and his entourage paid a courtesy call on the Omanhene of Essikado Traditional Area Nana Kobina Nketsia V at his palace at Essikado on the company’s intention to construct a sleeper factory.

Mr. Burger explained that Aveng group has identified many opportunities in Ghana and one of them is the concrete sleepers -the railway has been upgraded and was built with sleepers that was imported from Italy.

“Ghana is having that materials to produce such product, there is sand, stone, electricity among others – all our factories are manned by the local people, we believe we have a duty to create jobs in Africa, it is not our intention to set up a factory in Ghana and manage it from South Africa” he said.

According to Mr Ghartey the sector has received massive investors to support the growth and expansion of the sector in recent times.

“A lot of individuals from China, United State of America, United Kingdom, Switzerland and many more have visited the country to support in the development of the rail sector” he added.

He explained that the Western line starting from Kojokrom will take a dual approach; standard gauge at one side and narrow gauge will be rehabilitated to enable the railway workers to work on it.

“If the Western line becomes active, 70,000 tons of manganese can even pay the salary of our railway workers- as a government, we are not only interested in exporting our raw materials to other countries but also interested in processing it here, thereby creating an Integrated Aluminum Industry” he added.

“We are still talking to people concerning exporting bauxite and manganese, we are not happy about it because Ghana is a rich country and the estimated value of bauxite at Nyinahin in the Ashanti Region is about is $460 billion when you bring it out of the ground and process it” he said.

He mentioned that the proposed amount to develop the railway is $7.8 billion but if it should increase it will be about $10 billion dollars including station so even 5% of this amount at Nyinahin can create the railway.

Nana Kobina Nketsia V. Omanhene of Essikado Traditional Area expressed satisfaction with that investors from African and other European countries are collaborating with each other for economic, social and political wellness.

“The thought that you are coming to Essikado, which is the heart beat of the railway is in good directions since it will create employment for our youth” he said

He said the rail sector must be given the needed attention to get the sector back to the glorious days and must be supported by all.